New York Yankees make offer to Sabathia

Chris Gardner/EPADespite the offer, don't plan on the deal to go through any time soon, as CC Sabathia is expected to explore all his options.

CC Sabathia can become the richest pitcher in baseball history whenever he wants.

The Yankees Friday made Sabathia, a free-agent lefty, an offer as large as Sabathia himself, but they don't expect him to sign on the dotted line anytime soon.

According to a person with knowledge of the Yankees' plans, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the competitive free-agent market, the offer exceeds the record (for a pitcher) six-year, $137.5 million deal the Mets made with Johan Santana after acquiring him before the 2008 season.

Despite the overwhelming offer, the Yankees expect Sabathia's agents to look around, but the team is confident it will end up with the top bid. Whether Sabathia, who prefers the National League, goes strictly for the most money remains to be seen.

General manager Brian Cashman declined to address Sabathia or any other specifics.

"We'll stay engaged in the free-agent market and trade market," he said, "and hopefully come up with something."

Sabathia's agent, Greg Genske, did not return a phone call.

"Would it be a disappointment if we don't get Sabathia?" manager Joe Girardi said this week. "I think you have to move on. Obviously, for a deal to work, it has to work on both sides and both sides want to be part of a relationship."

Sabathia is expected to visit the Yankees eventually, but no such trip is planned as of now.

With pitching a priority, the Yankees planned to also send offers to A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe within the next few days.

The Yankees have had conversations with the agents for Andy Pettitte, but the sides remain apart on salary. Pettitte, who has said he wants to return on a one-year deal, made $16 million last season, and the Yankees believe he should take a pay cut.